Jack Stock and Mules in Missouri

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John Ashton and Duane DaileyExtension and Agricultural Information

Melvin BradleyDepartment of Animal Sciences

John Ashton was well known in agricultural journalism at the turn of the century for his in-depth and interesting articles on all facets of agriculture. This history of Missouri mules, written in 1924, is one example of his legacy.

A brief history of mule breeding from the Phoenicians to George Washington opens the book. A detailed description follows of how the mule came to Missouri, as well as its uses and biographies of Missouri's leading mule breeders.

Mules were once very important to Missouri's fields and mines, and raising mules was quite profitable for some. William A. Elgin of Platte County learned how profitable when he received prize money totaling $5,000 for six mules he showed at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair. It is here that people worldwide began to take notice of the "Missouri Mule."

Following Ashton's history are two essays about Ashton's career as a student and journalist. The book also covers leaders in Missouri development and politics in education and pre-extension organizations such as the Missouri Board of Agriculture.